Atty. Michael D. Traister
Michael is a partner who maintains a wide-ranging litigation and trial practice in both state and federal court. Since joining Murray Plumb & Murray in 1995, he has honed his litigation and dispute resolution expertise, fueled by a love of building and making arguments.
Land Use And Zoning Law & More Attorney · Serving Portland, ME
Profile Summary
About Michael D. Traister at a Glance
Michael D. Traister is a zoning and construction attorney based in Portland, Maine, practicing at Murray Plumb & Murray. Educated at University of Maine School of Law (J.D., 1995). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serves clients in Portland, ME and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael D. Traister
- Michael is a partner who maintains a wide-ranging litigation and trial practice in both state and federal court
- Since joining Murray Plumb & Murray in 1995, he has honed his litigation and dispute resolution expertise, fueled by a love of building and making arguments
- Michael’s practice has a particular focus on business, construction, real estate and probate matters
- He also has extensive experience in the land use and zoning areas
- has handled numerous boundary, easement, zoning, and development disputes
- and has successfully tried significant eminent domain cases to verdict
- He has served as chair of the New Lawyers Section of the Maine Bar Association and is currently chair of the Town of North Yarmouth Zoning Board of Appeals and moderator of the Town of North Yarmouth Annual Town Meeting
- Selected by his peers for inclusion in both the Best Lawyers in America and New England Super Lawyers in the specialties of Business Litigation, Construction Law and Land Use and Zoning Law, Michael is also AV rated by Martindale Hubbell
- Originally from Auburn, Maine, Michael is an avid skier and fisherman
- Today, he resides with his family in North Yarmouth
Practice Areas Explained
Michael D. Traister's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael D. Traister handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Portland.
Land Use & Zoning in Portland
Michael D. Traister is one of 39,875 zoning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse zoning attorneys in Maine →
Construction Law in Portland
Michael D. Traister is one of 40,302 construction attorneys indexed nationally. Browse construction attorneys in Maine →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Portland
Practicing law in Maine. Legal matters in Maine are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Portland are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Maine state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Maine brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Maine courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Portland Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Portland-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Maine attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Portland or all attorneys in Maine.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Portland Choose Michael D. Traister
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael D. Traister's practice in the field of zoning and construction.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering zoning and construction, Michael D. Traister can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Portland
A Portland-based practice means Michael D. Traister attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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How People Find Michael D. Traister Online
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Michael D. Traister's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
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